Jim O'Callaghan
Question:969. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase the home benefits package for over 70s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1572/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (969)
Written answers
The Household Benefits package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €294 million this year on Household Benefits for over 521,000 customers.
People over the age of 70 receive the Household Benefits package, with one package provided per household. The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test. The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
While consideration is always given to suggested improvements to the Department's schemes, any decision to enhance the Household Benefits package for those aged 70 or over would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.
In Budget 2024, the Government did provide for increases to core Social Welfare payments including increases to the weekly rate of State Pension payable, as well as once off payments of €200 for those in receipt of the Living Alone Increase and €300 for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment. Budget 2024 also provided for the Christmas Bonus payment and January Cost of Living Bonus payment.
The Government in Budget 2024 has also implemented non-social protection measures which include a further €450 energy credit.
Finally, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an essential need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
I trust that this clarifies these matters for the Deputy.